12/09/2013

As nations around the world launch more and more satellites into geosynchronous orbit above the Earth, the danger of them accidentally colliding and creating a Gravity-esque cascade of destruction increases exponentially. To keep tabs on everything zooming around 22,000 miles above the surface, DARPA's developed this keen-eyed space surveillance telescope.

12/04/2013

Enjoying some mommy-and-me time in the Big Apple, Kim Kardashian took baby North out of their Soho apartment on Wednesday (December 4).

The reality diva looked simply chic in a long black overcoat covering her all-black outfit as she pushed her little girl's stroller out to an awaiting vehicle.

Recently, the famous family unveiled their highly-anticipated Christmas card for 2013, though it's difficult to find anything "Christmas-y" about it.

Described as a "post-apocalyptic, chaotic casino," Kim gave fans a behind-the-scenes look on a Keek video, captioning it, "The set designed by David LaChapelle! #NotYourTypicalChristmadCard #WasACoolExperience."

11/30/2013

We already let you know that Best Buy had discounted the iPad Air to $450, and now you can get an additional $40 Best Buy gift card out of the deal by doing in-store pick up. Basically, Best Buy is giving you $10 credit back on every $100 spent on in-store pick up items in an effort to get you into their stores. This promotion applies to any item eligible for in-store pickup and is available through the weekend. [Best Buy via 9to5Toys]

11/18/2013

If you're looking for something a little more rugged than Google Glass to take skiing or snowboarding, know this: Recon Instruments has just released its Snow2 heads-up display. This little Android-based guy fits inside a compatible set of goggles and displays a number of items, including your speed, analysis of any jumps you might do, altitude, distance, navigation, buddy tracking, phone calls and texts, and serves as a music controller.

It's maybe more Borg than Google Glass sexy, but it's also much cheaper and more suited to flying down the slopes. Snow2 itself runs $399. You can pair it with a set of goggles for another $150. It also can be had right now, whereas the sunglasses-friendly Recon Jet has been delayed.

11/15/2013

Bellator MMA has officially decided to sever ties with welterweight champion Ben Askren after failing to come to terms on a new contract. Askren had been a restricted free agency until today. Askren is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign where he wants.

Askren fought nine times under the Bellator MMA banner, winning all nine fights. The former Olympian has spent the majority of his career in the Bellator cage but will now look to continue his career in the Octagon. Askren has not fought since annihilating Andrey Koreshkov at Bellator 97, but did headline wrestling organization AGON’s first ever PPV, dominating Quentin Wright with ease.

“I’ve said it many times, Ben’s a completely one-dimensional fighter who is utterly dominant in that dimension,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “I had a number of discussions with Ben and it became clear it was time for both parties to move in different directions. We’ve relinquished any right to match here and Ben can sign with whoever he chooses to sign with. Ben’s been at Bellator since the start of his career, I respect him and what he’s accomplished and wish him the best wherever he goes.”

Bellator’s welterweight title is now vacant, and will see the Season 9 champion meet Season 8 champion Douglas Lima early in 2014.

11/12/2013

Malala Yousafzai's book, I Am Malala, has been banned in private schools across Pakistan.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Malala Yousafzai's book, I Am Malala, has been banned in private schools across Pakistan.

Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

An organization representing 40,000 private schools in Pakistan says it has decided to ban I Am Malala, a memoir written by Malala Yousafzai, the teenager shot by the Taliban for promoting the education of girls.

"Kashif Mirza, the chairman of the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation, said his group also has banned Malala's book in its affiliated schools.

"Malala 'was a role model for children, but this book has made her controversial,' Mirza said. 'Through this book, she became a tool in the hands of the Western powers.'

"He said the book did not show enough respect for Islam because it mentioned Prophet Muhammad's name without using the abbreviation PUH — 'peace be upon him' — as is customary in many parts of the Muslim world. He also said it spoke favorably of author Salman Rushdie, who angered many Muslims with his book 'The Satanic Verses,' and Ahmadis, members of a minority sect that have been declared non-Muslims under Pakistani law."

Pakistan Today reports that Mirza said that academics concluded that Malala's book will leave students in a "confused state of mind."

The book, Pakistan Today notes, ignited passions as soon as it was published:

"Renowned journalists — Ansar Abbasi and Talat Hussain — criticised her for showing a complete disregard for the sentiments of Muslims besides creating a doubt in their articles that a 16-year-old could actually write such an in-depth analysis on international relations.

"On the other hand, renowned physicist and academician Professor Pervaiz Hoodbuoy defended her for her writings and bravery. Supporters of both sides have been slugging it out on the social media since Abbasi and Hoodbuoy got into a heated debate on a TV show defending their viewpoints."

11/09/2013

Washington D.C. is getting old. To other countries, our nation's capital might seem like a spring chicken, but it's actually aging rapidly—a fact proven by the scaffolding that's draped around some of its most important monuments this year.

11/06/2013

Pregnancy, marriage separation, weight gain -- the Kardashians have endured it all in 2013. Now as the year comes to a close, the reality family seems ready to celebrate all they have. On Nov. 4, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Kris, Kendall, and Kylie Jenner were spotted on the beaches of Malibu, Calif. dolled up for a family photoshoot.

The newly-engaged starlet dealt with negative backlash after gaining weight during her pregnancy, but has since made a comeback, debuting her fit and curvy figure in a talked-about swimsuit selfie last month.

Kim Kardashian shows off her post-baby body in new family photoshoot on Nov. 4, 2013.Credit: RS-Jack/X17online.com

Mysteriously absent from the photoshoot was oldest sister Kourtney Kardashian, 34, and no Kardashian-Jenner males were present either. Little Nori and her cousins Penelope and Mason Disick were also missing in action.

Kris Jenner, who turned 58 on Nov. 5, announced on the Oct. 21 cover of Us Weekly that she and hubby Bruce Jenner had separated at 22 years of marriage, but has since attended several events with her estranged spouse. And though sources confirm to Us that Khloe and Lamar Odom have since reconciled, the spouses of four years hit a major rough patch of their own after Odom's DUI and struggles with substance abuse.